Marshfield puppies rescued from trashcan on their way to forever homes

Mark Theobald and his family pose with their new puppy Brie.(Photo: Courtesy of the Marshfield Area Pet Shelter)

MARSHFIELD – The litter of newborn puppies rescued from a trashcan in Marshfield have all been adopted and started moving into their new homes this week.

Since being rescued in late February, the nine Australian shepherd Labrador puppies have been cared for by the Marshfield Area Pet Shelter and their story has gained worldwide attention, MAPS said. The puppies were even featured on the syndicated TV show "Inside Edition."

The puppies — all named after different types of cheese — are now 10 weeks old and have all been spayed or neutered with help from the Humane Society of Portage County, according to MAPS.

The shelter received over 250 adoption applications for the puppies and spent weeks reviewing the applications to match each puppy with the best home.

"The overwhelming support we received in donations for the puppies from many individuals across the country was heartwarming,” MAPS Executive Director Karen Rau said. “Because of thoughtful people and generous donations, our lifesaving programs are possible everyday for local animals."

The puppies were rescued Feb. 28 after Mark Theobald, a door-to-door salesman, heard their cries coming from a trashcan on East Fourth Street. He called Marshfield police, who rescued the puppies and brought them to the shelter. Theobald and his family adopted Brie and officer Jacob Maxson, who helped with the case, adopted Muenster.

"It feels great to adopt one of the puppies and know that there are nine families that will give these dogs a chance at life," Theobald said.

Maxson said Muenster spends his nights curled up at the foot of his bed and loves playing with his tennis ball and stuffed animals.

Robert E. Wild, the Marshfield man accused of putting the puppies in a garbage bag, tying it closed and putting the bag in the trashcan, faces charges of intentionally mistreating animals and intentionally abandoning animals. He signed a $2,000 signature bond April 22 and a Wood County Circuit Court judge ordered him to have no abusive contact toward animals in his possession, according to court records.

Throughout the puppies' time at the shelter, local media company TriMedia made weekly video updates and posted them to the MAPS Facebook page. A final adoption journey video will debut on the shelter's page Sunday.